Athletic Announce Sabin Merino Will Not Continue At The Club

When Sabin Merino left for Leganés in the summer he knew that it would be one of the biggest tests of his career. The forward had struggled with injuries and was unable to earn an important place in the team so a loan move was deemed necessary for him to play regular minutes this year. With his contract set to expire on 30 June Merino would need to play at a high level to convince Athletic to offer him a renewal.

So far this season Merino has made 15 total appearances for Leganés, but has failed to score a goal or register an assist. He’s been unable to carve out a starting role in the team and it’s been clear that his chances of staying at Athletic were dwindling. An answer was finally given on Wednesday when the Basques officially announced that Merino will leave the club this summer after not being offered a contract renewal.

Sabin Merino will leave Athletic having made 75 appearances for the first team over four years and scoring eight goals. Merino originally joined Lezama back in 2002 and was a standout player for both CD Basconia and Bilbao Athletic before being promoted in 2015. He played a major role in the team as the Lions lifted the Spanish Super Cup that same year and will now continue his career with a new club but always remaining an Athleticzale.